Monday, May 30, 2005

The client in this case was in a panic! As well as being in dire need of some assistance helping her decide what to do with the somewhat destructed rear area to her yard, she also had no idea where to start designing, or where to go to get plants and stone.

Her former back yard was reduced to a pile of earth and a huge hole where large sections of concrete were removed from where previous home owners had laid large blocks for vehicular parking. Also, recovered from the excavation were some six hundred or so (previously used) paving stones that she hoped would be able to be incorporated into the final landscape design.

There are also two healthy Cordyline australis in the area to be retained, so the idea was also to be to include these current plantings amongst the plantings suggested by the designer.

Predominantly New Zealand native plant species were to be used in combination with New Zealand stone.

The design brief:

- Create relaxed living areas that are comfortable, and that entice you into experiencing the spaces

- Flow between both indoor and outdoor living areas

- Natural flow between separate areas within the garden itself

- Use of screening to provide privacy for the occupants, shelter for young plants and division between garden spaces

- Reflect and accent character within the current architecture of the home through to the garden using colour and angles

- Create a low maintenance landscape that has all year round charm

- Select plant types that change through the seasons with vibrant plant foliage and staggered flowering times

- Provide Entertaining areas for seating and the use of BBQ

- Problem solve where to place clothes line and various amenities such as garbage, recycling, dog kennel

- Give Plant maintenance schedules for selected plantings

Stage 2: Concept plans and sketches.

Several concept sketches were produced offering various ideas for plant placement and hard surface layout. Plant varieties are suggested and quick sketches developed to give the client an idea of what the final landscape will look like

Upon approval of the concept drawings, the client has the option of moving on to the next stage of the design process where all plans are drawn to scale and all plants and landscape products are detailed in full.

Stage 3: Master plans and Plant plans.

Master plans were developed from the initial landscape consultation, concept drawings and sketches.

The client brief listed very common landscaping requirements:

-Balance between space and flow between areas

-Plant types and landscape products that keep with the current styles of the residential structure

-Low maintenance landscaping

Using bold, bright, lush foliage of native New Zealand plant species against the subtle tones of New Zealand river stone, the essence of New Zealand is produced within the living environment.

Noticeable elements within the Master plan reflect the naturally occurring plant contrasts seen in New Zealand native forests. Emphasis within the landscape design is focused on natural balance, using curved and straight lines within the landscape that reflect the structural styles of the residence. The landscape design produced provides an extension of the usable living areas while keeping with the current structural design elements being used.

Shown are some of the drawings, sketches and plans created for Project no.235. Also some photos of the landscape design completed showing just less than two years growth.